Haider Ackermann has been named the new creative director of Tom Ford, a brand under Estée Lauder.
- Ackermann’s debut show will feature in the autumn/winter 2025 Paris Fashion Week.
- Tom Ford has expressed admiration for Ackermann’s design philosophy and skills.
- The appointment follows Peter Hawkings’ sudden departure from the brand in July 2024.
- Ackermann previously shuttered his label in 2020 and has been involved with Canada Goose and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Haider Ackermann, the renowned French designer, has been officially appointed as the creative director of Tom Ford, a luxury brand owned by Estée Lauder. This significant move is set to bring Ackermann’s distinct design aesthetic to the forefront of the fashion industry, with his inaugural show planned for the autumn/winter 2025 Paris Fashion Week edition. This debut is highly anticipated as it marks a new chapter for the brand under Ackermann’s visionary leadership.
Tom Ford, who founded the eponymous brand in 2005, expressed his enthusiasm for Ackermann’s appointment. Ford has been vocal about his admiration for Ackermann’s work, highlighting his exceptional skills in both womenswear and menswear. According to Ford, Ackermann is a remarkable colourist with a modern edge, and he looks forward to the brand’s evolution under Ackermann’s creative direction.
The transition in leadership comes after Peter Hawkings, a longstanding collaborator with Ford, unexpectedly exited the brand in July 2024. Hawkings’ departure left a significant vacancy at the helm, which is now filled by Ackermann. With nearly 25 years of experience alongside Ford, Hawkings’ sudden exit surprised many in the fashion community, creating intrigue around Ackermann’s upcoming strategies and collections.
Ackermann, who closed his own label in 2020, has continued to leave a mark on the fashion world through various roles, such as his recent appointment as creative director for Canada Goose. Additionally, his involvement with Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture collection for spring/summer 2023 demonstrated his versatility and continued relevance in haute couture.
The fashion world is eager to see how Ackermann will infuse his unique style into Tom Ford’s legacy, respecting its tradition while also pushing boundaries to appeal to modern sensibilities. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to revitalise the brand and expand its creative horizons.
Haider Ackermann’s appointment promises a transformative era for Tom Ford, balancing legacy and innovation.